Dade's Battle Plan Drawn For Re-enactment Saturday

BUSHNELL — Organizers of a full-scale re-enactment of Dade's Battle, which triggered the Second Seminole War 150 years ago, predict as many as 10,000 people may attend Saturday's event.

''It's really going to be something to see,'' said James Etheredge, chairman of a committee organizing the mock battle at Dade Park.

The event is the first full-scale re-enactment of the battle in 50 years.

''We do it every year with a few dozen people, but this time we'll have hundreds,'' Etheredge said. ''They'll be camped out south of town, close to where Dade camped, and then march in Saturday morning.''

Etheredge said the battle is to begin about 1 p.m. and will rage more than two hours.

There also will be crafts, historical displays, a memorial service and concessions. The state is in the midst of a $230,000 renovation to the 60-acre park and museum near Bushnell.

Dade's Battle was one of the worst losses of a unit in the U.S. Army.

Of the 103 soldiers and six Army officers under Maj. Francis Dade's command, 98, including Dade, were killed by a band of about 300 Indians who ambushed them in 1835.

Organizers have worked for more than nine months assembling details of Saturday's re-enactment. The committee organizing the event was created by State Rep. Everett Kelly, D-Tavares, and State Rep. Chuck Smith, D- Brooksville.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Florida Park Service and Etheredge said park officials have put a lot of effort into the project.